ScoutmasterCG Newsletter Number 4 – Scouter Training

Scouter Training is closer to employee training than active Scouting. Sitting through scripted sessions punctuated by unrealistic, often dated, videos is one way to learn, but it’s not the best way to learn Scouting.

I’ve never been a good classroom student, I learn more by doing, so I tend to value hands on experience. Experiential, “on the job”, learning is more true to Scouting’s purposeful game than training administrators to deliver a scripted program.

Scouter training, however, is not without value. I encourage Scouters to avail themselves of training opportunities, and also acknowledge it is just the first step to understanding our work.

Scouting happens when we do what Scouts do, and very little of that happens in a classroom.

Posts

I’ve headed up a number of Scouter training events, and been trained in several different volunteer positions. Scouters are typically gregarious, good-spirited folks; but the dedication and single-mindedness required to be a good Scouter sometimes makes us difficult trainees. Here’s my do’s and don’ts for getting the most out of a Scouter training course.

As a young Scoutmaster I felt a lot of the polices I learned in Scouter Training were limitations, but now I don’t see these safety practices as restrictive. Quite to the contrary I feel more empowered and confident that I can help my Scouts plan and supervise potentially risky activities.

Your best asset is a resilient calm, determined attitude. We don’t equate self-worth and accomplishment with immediate results – develop your tolerance for adversity and uncertainty. Value experience above skill. Experience helps us avoid the common mistakes, weed out shortsighted solutions, and take measures that work in the long-term.

Over the past decade of writing the blog at Scoutmastercg.com I’ve been looking for a one sentence definition of Scouting. Something we can tell ourselves that focuses us on what’s important about our work as Scouters. I think I may have found it, listen in and see if you agree.

Essential Everlasting Gear

Over the years I’ve sorted through tons of jingle-jangle, gimmicky camping gear to find stuff that stands the test of time. My choices may not be the newest or cheapest, but they are reliable solutions I’ve relied on for years.

There are all kinds of pliers to mange hot cooking pots and pans on a fire, but these are the best I’ve found. Made for constant use in a commercial environment they ought to last a lifetime. The most important feature, though, is that there’s a spring that keeps the pliers open allowing you to use them one handed – something no other pot pliers I have used have.

About Clarke Green

Clarke has worked with thousands of Scouts and Scouters as a director at his local Scout Camp (Camp Horseshoe), and as a Scoutmaster for 30 years. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his service to Scouting, including the B.S.A.’s Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, and is a Vigil Honor member of Octoraro Lodge 22. He is author of the blog and podcast at Scoutmastercg.com, The Scouting Journey, and Thoughts on Scouting. An avid outdoorsman and amateur actor, he lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with his wife Teddi.

Nothing on this website is an official publication of, nor bears the endorsement or sponsorship of any Scouting Organization. While we do our best to get things right the final word on policy and procedure is found in the resources produced by your Scouting organization.